BMW and Nissan Join Forces with Uber for a Greener Joburg

BMW, Nissan and Uber are teaming up to fight carbon emissions in Joburg. For a limited time you’ll be able to commute in style with a zero carbon footprint at UberX prices. Read on and help save the planet.

Uber has partnered with green vehicle trailblazers BMW and Nissan to put a fleet of electric cabs on the streets of Johannesburg. This is a programme by all parties involved to take action against the city’s ever-growing carbon emissions problem, and will run under the banner of UberGREEN. From 09 May to 03 June commuters may request a BMW i3 or Nissan LEAF electric vehicle at the same price as an UberX. This greener mode of transport will not be operating during peak traffic hours and will only be available from 07:00 to 19:00.

On 25 May 2015, MW Group South Africa (BMW SA) and Nissan South Africa (NSA) signed a memorandum of agreement that will see the two makers jointly plan and build a national grid of vehicle charging stations to ensure the future of the electric car in South Africa.

At the start of April 2016 Uber announced that it could theoretically cut Johannesburg’s traffic by 800 000 cars on the roads if it rolls out its carpool strategy in South Africa. UberPOOL matches riders heading in the same direction and costs less than the uberX option. whether this service will be launched in South Africa soon is still a format of speculation.

According to Alon Lits General Manager of Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, the internet ride-sharing app envisions a future where getting around is simpler, more accessible and more sustainable through UberGREEN.

How this works1. Open the Uber app between 9 May to 3 June 2016 (07:00 to 19:00)
2. Select the UberGREEN option.
3. Set your pick-up location and request a ride as you normally would.

By Shawn Greyling

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